Catherine travels to Russia to marry the Emperor. After becoming Empress, she realizes Peter is a selfish brat. She feels hopeless until her servant, Marial, suggests they overthrow him.

Catherine takes her first steps toward a coup. Taking advice from Marial, she attempts to seduce and recruit palace intellectual Count Orlo. It's a disaster, but he is ultimately convinced.

Catherine, Orlo and Marial continue their coup planning. Peter, noting Catherine’s unhappiness, gifts Catherine a sterile lover, Leo. She’s hesitant at first, but Leo manages to charm her.

Catherine tries to manage her reputation at court and her relationship with Leo. An influential Patriarch of the church dies. Orlo tries to influence Peter's decision for a replacement.

As the war with Sweden continues to rage, Catherine and Aunt Elizabeth visit the military at the Russian front. Grigor struggles with Peter and Georgina’s relationship and poisons Peter.

After his near-death experience, Peter is now open to Catherine’s progressive ideas and wants to focus on an heir. Orlo tries to figure out who poisoned Peter and faces demons of his own.

Catherine is feeling optimistic, until a smallpox breakout causes Peter to revert back to his old ways. Meanwhile, Leo and Catherine’s relationship suffers and Georgina misses Peter.

Catherine’s political abilities are tested when she’s given an opportunity to travel abroad. Leo wants to leave court. Marial tries to keep him there by telling him about the coup.

A body is discovered. Peter decides to torture everyone at the palace to find the murderous traitors. Marial confides in Archie about Catherine’s plans. Catherine realizes she is pregnant.

Catherine moves forward with the coup. Marial betrays her by telling Peter that Catherine is pregnant. Catherine realizes that the only chance for a greater Russia is to fight, without Leo.